Threesology Research Journal
Culture and Threes:


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In this very short collection of threes references for a few cultures, it is of need to be cognizant of the fact that many of the interpretations are about later periods of observation involving a particular culture and not when they existed prior to any Indo-European influence. Cultural as well as Number bias can play a role in interpretation and illustration. Nonetheless, are these later accounts filled with more "three" references than would have occurred in a former age of observation and analysis? In other words, the question remains whether or not there is an increase in the usage of a "three" orientation over time... Are we all biased due to a change in education, experience and a presumed development shift towards a third consciousness?

And though we of today make lists of triads from ancient cultures, we do not have an account of any standard referencing for acknowledging the presence of "threes" by ancient historians... because they did not have access to the amount of information we do today. Whereas the old chroniclers of history included multiple examples of one or another "threes" interest, none of these examples apparently provide a distinct example that this was a standard orientation among historians.

In some cases such as the Christian Trinity, its multiplicity of singular widespread usage can be said to have taken the place for the use of multiple singular patterns-of-three. It's as if multiple threes became fused into that one reference, though others are oriented to specific other patterns -of-three such as are found in Astrology, gaming (gambling), story creation, social stratification, government structure, etc...

Indeed, it appears that later-born groups (such as the Mormon church) tend to use patterns-of-three, whereas older institutions may prefer 2s, 4s, 7s, and 10s, for example. The value of "three" is readily adopted if it proves to be a more useful cognitive tool, though older minds are more comfortable with older patterns based on some tradition which uses tradition as the main source of legitimacy, whereas later ideologies prefer evidence from more serious sources such as are attached to a theme of science. This is why some like to refer to a study of Christianity as "Christian Science" and a study of politics as "Political Science" as well as "Sports Science". In fact, so that everyone can legitimize their interest, let us simply add the word Science or suffix ence, ology or ism to it. A few examples will suffice:

  • Pancake making science: Culinary science
  • Washing clothes science: Physics, chemistry... surfactants and Detergent, mechanical agitation and spin, temperature (thermal energy)...
  • Science of eating: Nutritional science
  • Science of theft and murder: Criminology
  • Science of love: Psychology
  • Science of snoring: Pulmonary Science
  • Science of sleep: Somnology
  • Science of taking drugs: Pharmacology
  • Science of spitting on the ground: Physiology, Sociology, Cultural anthropology...
  • Science of wiping one's butt (some men think it is more manly not to wipe their butts)
  • Science of eating sun flower seeds: economically charged cultural phenomena
  • Science of belching: Gastroenterology; different strokes for different folks in differen time periods and cultures
  • Science of playing with numbers: Mathematics
  • Science of playing with insects: Entomology
  • Science of playing with hair and nails: Cosmetology.
  • etc...

While it is a fact that the idea of the Christian trinity (and in some cases the Hindu Trimurti) have come to influence ideas outside of the subject of religion, we can not offhandedly assume that all "threes" are symbolic/metaphorical expressions thereof being applied with a different vocabulary in different contexts. Indeed, the Christian concept of the Trinity is itself a borrowed pattern from earlier ideas, such as the representation of the Sun's three phases ("moments") called dawn-noon-dusk which are an expressed "3 -in- 1" entity being described in religion as three persons in one godhead... though the relationship to the Sun has been obscured by time and ideological gymnastics.

One or more of the following examples may be familiar to you, but as playful divergent activity (taking a break) from my efforts to repost former pages, I playfully put together a short compilation of threes references from different cultures. One interest one is that of the Basque Culture which is said to be independent from the Indo-European culture which is rife with patterns-of-three. The Basque example is the last in this compilation:

Internet query: "The Number three in the American Culture". Note, while it provides examples, it did not provide a reference to Alan Dundez's work with this very title, which appeared as a chapter in a book entitled "Every Man His Way". Italicized references are the ones I added:

AI response: In American culture, the number three is often associated with completeness, luck, and divine connection, appearing in various contexts like folklore, religious beliefs, and everyday expressions. It's not the only significant number, but it's prominent, appearing in sayings like "third time's the charm" and in structured patterns like ordering options (small, medium, large). Here's a more detailed look at the significance of three in American culture:

  1. Folklore and Everyday Expressions:
    • "Third time's the charm": This common saying reflects the belief that repeated attempts, especially the third one, are more likely to succeed.
    • Triplets and Trios: Many cultural references involve sets of three, like "the three little pigs," "the three blind mice," or even the idea of a "third place" where people can gather and build community.
    • Repetition in Folk Songs: Songs often repeat lines or phrases three times, creating a sense of completeness or emphasis.
    • "On your mark, get set, go": This common race starter exemplifies the use of three distinct commands.
  2. Religion and Spirituality:
    • The Holy Trinity: In Christianity, the concept of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as a single divine being is a central tenet.
    • Unity of Mind, Body, and Spirit: Three can represent the inter-connectedness of these aspects of human existence.
    • Jesus and threes: Patterns-of-three play a dominant role in the life of Jesus Threes in the Life of Jesus.
    • The Bible and threes: Meaning of Numbers in the BibleZ: The Number 3.
  3. Patterns and Structure:
    • Breaking Patterns: Three can be used to disrupt a pattern established by two previous instances.
    • Completeness: The third element in a set of three often signals the completion of a sequence or idea.
    • Persuasion: Studies suggest that three claims are often more persuasive than a longer list of claims.
  4. Cultural Significance:
    • Ordering and Classifying: Many things in American culture are categorized into three options: small, medium, and large, or appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
    • Sports: Baseball has three outs per inning, basketball has three-point shots, and football has three downs.

While other numbers hold significance in American culture, the number three stands out for its prevalence and versatility in various contexts, from folklore and religion to everyday language and structural patterns, according to the Columbus Dispatch.


Internet query: (using the Opera browser) "The Number three in the German Culture". Note... I combined the "deep dive" answers as well:

AI response: In German culture, the number three (drei) holds significant symbolic meaning, rooted in both Germanic paganism and Christian traditions. It's often associated with concepts of divinity, wholeness, and mystical properties. Here's a breakdown of the number three's significance in German culture:

  1. Religious and Spiritual Significance:
    • Trinity: In Christianity, the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is central, and the number three reflects this divine unity.
    • Holy Trinity: The concept of the Holy Trinity (die Heilige Dreieinigkeit) is a cornerstone of Christian beliefs, particularly impactful in Germany due to the strong historical influence of Christianity, notes The symbolism of the number "three" in phraseological units of the German language.
    • Germanic Paganism: The number three and its multiples (like nine) are prominent in ancient Germanic pagan beliefs and folklore, appearing in mythology and rituals. The Merseburg Incantations, for example, heavily emphasize the number three.
    • Sacred Number: Ancient cultures, including Germanic and European ones, have attributed mystical and sacred meanings to the number three.
    • Divine Perfection and Completion: Three is often associated with harmony, wisdom, understanding, and the concept of completeness or divine perfection, representing aspects like the past, present, and future, or birth, life, and death.
  2. Folklore, Traditions and Cultural manifestations:
    • "Aller guten Dinge sind drei": This popular German saying translates to "All good things come in threes," emphasizing the positive nature of events or attempts occurring in sets of three.
    • Symbol of Happiness: The number three can represent happiness in some German traditions, as seen in rituals like "das dreifache Ausspucken über die Schulter" (spitting three times over the shoulder for good luck).
    • Exaggeration and Constancy: Three can also be used in expressions to denote exaggeration or infinity, for instance, "Es dauert ewig und drei Tage" (something lasts forever and another three days).
    • Dreikönigstag: The German holiday, Dreikönigstag (Day of the Three Kings), celebrated on January 6th, commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus.
  3. Phraseology: The number three appears in numerous German idioms and phrases, often conveying intensity, emphasis, or a sense of completeness, such as "in drei Teufels Namen" (in the name of the three devils).
  4. German Sign Language (DGS): The number three in DGS is represented by a specific handshape, with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger extended.
  5. Finger Counting: While not universal, some Germans traditionally use their thumb, index, and middle finger when counting to three on their hand.


In Vietnamese culture, the number three (ba in Vietnamese) is often associated with the concept of Buddhism. It is common to ring a bell three times when worshipping Buddha or praying, and incense is offered in sets of three sticks according to Vietnam Teaching Jobs. While not as prominent as some other lucky numbers, the number three is considered auspicious due to its connection with religious practice and the concept of "three" being a complete and perfect number in Eastern Asian culture according to Vietnamese lucky/unlucky numbers (in the range 1-24.

Internet query: "The number three in the Australian aboriginal culture". Note how the comments circle around the idea of sensitivity to the primitive culture with an emphasis of presenting it in a more sophisticated light. However, the dominant reference to enumeration is a significant tell-tale sign that the counting system was a minor development compared to other cultural systems.

AI response: In some Australian Aboriginal cultures, the number three (often represented as "bularu wongarra" or a similar compound form) has significance, though it's not always a universally recognized number in the same way as in Western cultures. While some languages may have specific words for three, others might use combinations of "one" and "two" to express it. It's important to note that the idea that Aboriginal people had limited counting systems (only up to two or three) is a misconception. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Number Systems Vary: Different Aboriginal language groups have different ways of representing numbers. Some have words for one, two, and three, while others might use combinations of one and two to express larger numbers.
  • "Bularu Wongarra": In some South-East Queensland languages, "bularu wongarra" means three, with "bularu" being two and "wongarra" being one according to the State Library of Queensland.
  • Beyond One, Two, and Many: While some non-Aboriginal people mistakenly believe that Aboriginal counting only goes up to two or three, this is not accurate. Many Aboriginal groups have counting systems that extend beyond this.
  • Significance in Culture: While the specific role of "three" may vary across different cultures, the number three (and other numbers) often hold symbolic and cultural significance in Aboriginal traditions, though this may not always be directly related to counting.
  • "Bularu bularu": In some languages, four is expressed as "bularu bularu," or two times two.

Internet query: "The number three in the Native American culture". It is important to note that the dominant European culture has had a dominant monumental effect on the Indigenous tribes of the U.S. One must resource cultural numbers from older texts when the European influence was less, such as before the advent of the radio, telephones, and television... including the ability of Native Americans to read English.

AI response: In many Native American cultures, the number three holds significant symbolic and spiritual meaning, often representing the three realms of existence: the Upper World (heavens), the Middle World (Earth), and the Underworld. It is also associated with concepts of wholeness, completion, and sometimes even limitation. Here's a more detailed look at the significance of three:

  • Cosmology: The three realms (Upper, Middle, and Underworlds) are a common cosmological framework, influencing beliefs about the structure of the universe and the interconnectedness of all things.
  • Ritual and Ceremony: The number three is frequently used in rituals and ceremonies. For example, the Iroquois tribe might smoke from a pipe three times during a ceremony.
  • Limitation and Perfection: In some contexts, three is seen as a limit, a point where something is considered complete or perfect. A common example is the saying "three cheers".
  • Opposite of Quanchis: The Keresan language uses the term "quanchis" for the number seven, and it's considered negative, as it is one unit more than six, which is double the essence of wholeness, three (kinsa).
  • Other sacred numbers: While three is significant, other numbers like four, five, and seven also hold sacred meaning in various tribes, often associated with cardinal directions, sacred mountains, or important ceremonies.
  • It's important to remember that specific meanings can vary between different tribes and cultural groups.

Internet query: "The number three in the Norwegian culture":

AI response: AI Overview The number three (tre in Norwegian) holds significant importance in Norwegian culture, particularly stemming from Norse mythology and influencing later folklore and storytelling.

  1. In Norse mythology
    • Sacred/Divine: The number three is considered sacred or divine and often appears in significant contexts.
    • Creation and Deities:
      • Three gods, Odin, Vili, and Ve, are credited with creating the first humans, Ask and Embla.
      • Odin, Vili, and Ve are also seen as a trinity representing aspects of existence, according to Norse Tradesman.
  2. Fate and World Structure:
    • The three Norns (Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld) determine the fates of all beings in the Norse cosmos.
    • The world tree, Yggdrasil, has three roots, extending into different realms, according to The Number 3 and 9 in Norse Mythology
    • Events and Trials: Many events and important items in Norse mythology involve the number three. Examples include Odin's three hardships to gain knowledge of the runes, Loki's three notorious children, and the three main signals preceding Ragnarok.
  3. In folklore and storytelling
    • Rule of Three: The "rule of threes" is a common storytelling device in Nordic folklore, where elements or actions appear in threes. Examples include three princesses, three trolls, or a task being repeated three times.
    • Superstitions: Some superstitions in Scandinavian culture involve the number three. Knocking three times under the table and saying "syv-ni-tretten" (seven-nine-thirteen) is believed to ward off bad luck after tempting fate.

In conclusion, the number three holds a strong presence in Norwegian culture, particularly within its mythological and folkloric traditions, symbolizing creation, fate, and appearing as a recurring motif in narratives and beliefs.


NUMBER 3 AND 9 IN NORSE MYTHOLOGY
February 14, 2019

There are many examples that the number three is an important number in Norse mythology, and that is something that we can read about in the Eddas written by Snorri Sturluson. Three is a number that can be seen as a number that is sacred and a number that often was used by the royals and the people of high status in the Viking age.

  • For instance, it was the three Gods, Odin, Vili, and Ve, that created the first two humans from two tree logs. Odin gave the logs life and a spirit, Vili gave them movement, mind and intelligence and Vili gave them shape, speech, feelings and the five senses.
  • There is also the three Norns who sits at the tree Yggdrasil in Asgard and spins the fate of every living being into a long thread of life. These three Norns are named Urd (Old Norse “Urðr”), Verdandi (Old Norse “Verðandi”), and Skuld (Old Norse ”Skulð”).
  • But there are many other occurrences of the number three, the world tree Yggdrasil has three roots, the first root is in Asgard, which the Norns pour water on every day from the well Urd, to keep the tree green and healthy.
  • The second root is in Jotunheim where the Jotnar lives (also known as Giants).
  • The third root is in Niflheim and goes far into the ground where Helheim lies, and here the dragon Nidhug (Old Norse: Níðhöggr) chews on the root, while it waits for more people to arrive at the entrance to Hel.
  • In the saga of Thor’s journey to Utgard in Jotunheim, he is part of a competition where Utgard-Loki challenges him to drink from a large drinking horn. Here the number three is also represented because Thor is only able to take three draughts from the magical drinking horn. For those of you who don’t know who Utgard-Loki is, he is not Loki the trickster, but Utgard-Loki is a Jotnar (Giant) that lives in Jotunheim (Land of the Giants). Utgard-Loki is also known as Skrymir, and he is a well-known illusionist by the Aesir (Æsir).
  • Loki is also part of the number three, Loki has three children with Angrboda, Hel who is the ruler of the underworld Hel. The Midgard serpent which is the serpent that lives in the ocean, and the Fenris (Old Norse: Fenrir) wolf that was bound to a rock on an island in Kattegat.
  • The dwarves that made the robe to bind the Fenris Wolf to the rock, also needed three tries to make a robe that was strong enough to keep the wolf bound to the rock.
  • The signs of Ragnarok (Ragnarök) is also in three’s, there will be three cold winters (called Fimbulwinters).
  • Further more 3 x 3 is 9 and that brings us too the number nine
  • The number nine is another important number in the Old Norse myths, and as I said before it’s meaning could be considered something that is a turning point, and possibly also linked to magic and paganism. Number three and nine are in general the most important numbers in Norse mythology, and they can be found in numerous places, for example.
  • Odin hung himself on the tree of life Yggdrasil for nine days and nights, until the secret of the runes was revealed to him, but just for a split second, before he fell to the ground.
  • There are nine worlds in Norse mythology, that all hangs Yggdrasil. These worlds are, Niflheim, Muspelheim, Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, Vanaheim, Alfheim, Svartalfheim, and Helheim.
  • Heimdall the guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifrost was born by nine sisters.
  • Thor takes nine steps and falls to the ground dead after he fought his last fight with the Midgard serpent at Ragnarok (Ragnarök). There are more examples in the sagas of the number nine, more than I will mention here.
  • Also the number nine is a magic number it is the only number were if you multiply it with any thing the cross sum is always 9 like this 9x3 = 27 then take the 2 and 7 like this 2+7=9 or 9x9 = 81 8+1 =9 it is the only number that do this aand that is another reson for that it is considered a magic number.

Internet query: "The number three in the African culture

AI response: The multifaceted symbolism of the number three holds significant and diverse symbolic meanings within various African cultures and traditions. The number three often symbolizes creativity, transformation, and divine connection, holding significant spiritual and cultural meaning. It can represent the union of mind, body, and spirit, or the past, present, and future, and is sometimes associated with luck and harmony. Here's a more detailed look:

  • Creativity and Expression: In many African spiritual systems, three represents creativity, imagination, and the journey of self-discovery, both physical and spiritual.
  • Completeness and Harmony: It can symbolize a sense of completion and balance, as seen in concepts like the unity of mind, body, and spirit or the connection between the past, present, and future.
  • Transformation and Communication: In certain traditions, three is associated with gateways, communication, and transformation, symbolizing a prompt to express one's truth and initiate new phases of creative processes.
  • Symbol of Transformation: In some traditions, three signifies a journey of self-discovery, whether physical or spiritual, and the process of transformation.
  • Divine Connection: Three is often considered a sacred number, linked to the divine and spiritual realms, according to Inspyria. In Yoruba tradition, the Orisha Esu, who governs communication and crossroads, is closely associated with the number three.
  • Gateways and Communication: The number three can also represent gateways, communication, and the importance of expressing one's truth through various forms.
  • Divine Trinity: Three is often considered a holy number, symbolizing the divine trinity found in various spiritual beliefs.
  • Cultural Practices: The number three is embedded in many cultural practices and rituals across different African groups. For instance:
    • The Akan people have a three-pointed axe symbol, and their new king is seated three times on his stool during the coronation ceremony.
    • In the Igbo culture, chieftaincy handshake is called aka ito, and people are often given three chances in terms of deadlines or repentance.
    • Among the Yugur people, the number three is a dominant symbol appearing in rituals like the sacrifice to E'bo, wedding ceremonies, and sporting events.
    • The Yoruba god, Shango, has three wives. Some East African cultures alter teeth to show three points.
  • Other Interpretations: Some consider three to represent strength (Ikenga), while others see it as a component of the number seven, which can symbolize perfection through the union of masculine and feminine elements (3 + 4 = 7).

These examples demonstrate the profound and widespread significance of the number three in shaping beliefs, traditions, and societal practices throughout various African cultures.

Internet query: "The Number three in the Basque Culture". (I am using the Opera browser for the examples on this page.)

AI response: While it may not hold the same prominence as other numerically-focused cultures (like the focus on 3 and 9 in ancient Germanic or Indo-European traditions), the number three does appear to have some interesting connections and significance within the Basque culture and language. The number three (hiru in Basque) holds significant cultural weight beyond its simple numerical value. Here's how the number three is interwoven into Basque culture::

  • Linguistic Roots: Some linguistic hypotheses suggest that the Basque word for three, "hiru" (or the older form "hirur"), may have originated from phrases related to fingers, possibly meaning "two fingers in the palm" (referring to the three fingers that would be extended...highlighting a possible ancient finger-counting method.) This suggests a connection between the physical world and the development of the number system.
  • Counting and Set-Size Meaning: Research indicates that Basque-speaking children, like those speaking Spanish, develop an understanding of the set-size meanings of "one", "two", and "three" early on. This highlights the fundamental role of these small numbers in early language and cognitive development, and the importance of number three within that process.
  • Ancient Counting and the Week: Ancient Basque traditions, particularly in astronomy and numerology, appear to have influenced the structure of their calendar.
  • Their word for Tuesday translates to "middle of the week" and their word for Wednesday means "end of the week", suggesting a possible three-day week system in ancient times, later adapted to the seven-day week prevalent in most cultures.
  • Three-Day Week (Ancient Basque Astronomy): Historically, ancient Basques were thought to have based their week on a three-day cycle. This was linked to their astronomical calculations of the solar year (365.25 days), which they sought to make a "perfect" number by multiplying by four to get 1,461. Dividing this by 3, they would arrive at 487 iterations of their three-day weeks.
  • Architecture & Regional Groupings:
    • The term "neo-Basque architecture", popular in the early 20th century, drew inspiration from the farms of Labourd, one of the three historical Basque provinces in France.
    • The Basque Autonomous Community, often referred to as "the three provinces" in Spanish up to 1978, includes three of the seven provinces of the historical Basque Country.
  • Symbolism in Basque Mythology: Though the sources don't detail specific examples of the number three in Basque mythology, its prevalence across many cultures in expressing concepts like divine perfection or stages of life (birth, life, death) suggests a potential presence of similar themes in Basque folklore, according to Symbolic Meaning of Number 3
  • Representations of Basque Identity: The concept of "Hirurak Bat" (Three in One) refers to the historical provinces of Araba, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa and is an example of the use of three to represent a significant grouping of regions forming part of the Basque Country.
  • Architectural Significance: In traditional Basque farmhouses called baserriak, the three-story structure often had specific functions assigned to each floor (animals, family living, and storage), notes the World Culture Encyclopedia. This demonstrates a practical application of the number three in architectural design.
  • General Significance (Cross-Cultural): Like in many other cultures, the number three is generally associated with balance, harmony, and completeness. The concept of "Rule of Three" (grouping elements in sets of three) appears in various fields like art, writing, and storytelling, and this is also seen in Basque architectural styles where three doors might be emphasized in design elements. This suggests a broader human tendency to find order and meaning in this number.

While not as dominant a symbol as it may be in some other cultural contexts, the number three holds several interesting and notable connections within the Basque language, history, and cultural expressions. It's important to to note that while the number three appears in several aspects of Basque culture, it doesn't necessarily hold a singular, universally agreed-upon symbolic meaning. Its importance often depends on the specific context (e.g., linguistic origin, historical practices, or symbolic grouping of regions).

The following, provide as a link by the AI, shows the superficiality to which the number 3 can be applied in the name of attempting to commercialize (make money off of gullible people who have a minimalist and naive grasp of) the number 3:

Symbolic Meaning of Number 3
  • Why the Number 3 Holds Special Significance
  • The Spiritual and Symbolic Significance of Number 3
  • The number 3 often appears as a symbol of completeness and dynamic energy. Here's why it is so revered:
  1. Creativity and Expression: Number 3 is linked to artistic inspiration and the power of self-expression. It encourages embracing individuality and sharing it with the world.
    • Balance and Unity: In many traditions, 3 represents the union of mind, body, and spirit or the connection between past, present, and future.
    • Divine Connection: It is often considered a holy number, symbolizing the divine trinity found in multiple spiritual teachings.
    • The Role of Number 3 in Numerology: In numerology, the number 3 is celebrated as the number of joy, abundance, and positivity. Individuals influenced by this number tend to be optimistic, outgoing, and deeply connected to their inner creativity.
  2. Key Traits Associated with Number 3:
    • Optimism: Those connected to 3 radiate positivity and inspire others.
    • Communication: It symbolizes clear and effective communication, making it a great number for fostering relationships.
    • Spiritual Growth: The number 3 encourages personal and spiritual expansion, helping individuals align with their higher purpose.
  3. Cultural and Historical Importance of Number 3
    • The power of 3 has been recognized across cultures and centuries:
  4. Religious Symbolism:
    • In Christianity, the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) embodies the number 3.
    • Similarly, Hinduism refers to the three major gods?Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
  5. Philosophy and Literature: Many great works emphasize the "rule of three," where ideas, events, or characters are grouped in threes to create harmony and rhythm.
  6. Mysticism and Energy: The triangle, representing 3 points, is often seen as a symbol of stability and manifestation in spiritual practices.
  7. How to Embrace the Energy of Number 3 in Your Life; The meaning of number 3 can inspire you to live with creativity, balance, and connection. Here's how you can incorporate its energy into your daily life:
    • Explore Your Creative Side: Engage in artistic or expressive activities like painting, writing, or dancing to channel your inner creativity.
    • Strengthen Connections: Spend time nurturing relationships and practicing effective communication to build deeper bonds.
    • Seek Growth Opportunities: Commit to activities or environments that foster personal and spiritual growth. For example, attending retreats in Spain can help you align with the transformational energy of 3.

The meaning of number 3 is rich in symbolism, offering lessons in creativity, connection, and spiritual growth. By embracing its essence, you can tap into a life filled with harmony, joy.



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Initial posting: Thursday, Aug. 21st, 2025... 10:32 AM